Marshall Islands issues advisory on the impact of sanctions

The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has issued a marine safety advisory on the impact of national and international sanctions on the Republic of the Marshall Islands registered vessels.

This marine safety advisory was published on February 24th, 2023, and supersedes MSA No. 10-17, which is now revoked.

It is addressed to all Republic of the Marshall Islands vessel owners and operators.

Under Republic of the Marshall Islands (“Marshall Islands”) law, Marshall Islands registered vessels are not currently prohibited from calling in any country.

However, because the Marshall Islands registered fleet is provided technical and administrative assistance by International Registries, Inc. (IRI) and its global network of subsidiaries, the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator (the “Administrator”) adheres to trade restrictions outside of those in place in the Marshall Islands.

Importantly, the national and international sanctions in place against IRAN, SYRIA, CUBA, NORTH KOREA, and the DONBAS (to include the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republic Regions of Ukraine) and CRIMEA regions of UKRAINE mean that except as indicated below, no new business, i.e. vessel registration, corporate formation, seafarer documentation, etc., will be undertaken with any individuals or entities resident in these nations or regions.

However, the Administrator may issue seafarer documentation to the CRIMEA region of UKRAINE.

Additionally, although it is not a violation of law for Marshall Islands-flagged vessels in compliance with Marshall Islands law, including United Nations Security Council Resolutions, to call in these nations, the ability of the Administrator, including the ability of anyone acting on behalf of the Administrator, to provide services to vessels in these nations or regions, en route to these nations or regions, or to other nations, regions, individuals, or entities impacted by trade restrictions, may be limited or completely unavailable.